Friday, May 16, 2008

Hmm...What to Say about Janelle Monae

Sometimes I come across artists with great promise, artists whose music I may really enjoy, but there's something about them that just doesn't quite jibe. Such is the case with newbie Janelle Monae. It's hard to articulate what it is, that thing. Take for example, the fact that she's got the support of Outkast's Big Boi (yay!!). She's also got the backing of Sean P-Doody Combs (boo!!).

She's out of Atlanta and has been featured on Outkast's soundtrack for their 2006 film Idlewild. Though her movements come across as self-conscious and stilted, she's got a great voice and interesting styling. I like the idea of her, but somehow the package as a whole doesn't sit well with me. Here are Voilet Stars, Happy Hunting! (not the official video, obvs) and her performance of Sincerely Jane which reflect this dichotomy. What do you think?





1 comment:

Anonymous said...

this is the conversation betwixt nerenda and tai (vicelounge):

------------------
Tai

no i did not leave a comment, cuz u dissed my girl monae. :(:(
2:24pm

Nerenda

stop!

i didn't diss her, just stated the obvious

besides, i asked for comments to the contrary

u betta rep ur girl then!!
2:26pm

Tai

she is chuuuch

it has been a minute that music has a women who can embody multple music formats, with ease and honesty

dionne ferris tried

but she is doing it

yes a lil outkasty but all monae!!
2:30pm

Nerenda

it's not the outkasty part...it's the inorganic part

she's got a bit too much erykah badu-ist image ready business

not completely intergrated
2:31pm

Tai

hmm
2:31pm

Nerenda

feels a bit forced

so, pls i'd love u 2 add ur opinion to the post
2:32pm

Tai

i dunno. i thot it didnt which is why i liked it. PLUS she can actually sing